Why were there hot air balloons over Derby city centre today? And why did it make history?

After more than two months of planning, two hot air balloons created history when they took off from Bass’s Recreation Ground just after 7.30am this morning.
It is the first time in living memory that hot air balloons have taken off for a flight across the city from the parkland location. The flight was carried out by members of Nottingham and Derby Hot Air Balloon Club, which is based at Marehay.
The club’s publicity officer, Robin, Macey, said it was extremely rare for hot-air balloons to take off from a city centre. He said: “About 17 years ago, I was involved in a balloon lift in the... read more

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